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Definition of fearmongering

fearmongering

/ˈfɪrˌmʌŋ.ɡɚ.ɪŋ/
fear · mon · ger · ing
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fearmongering Lexical Profile

fearmongering Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The action of intentionally trying to make people afraid of something when this is not necessary or reasonable, typically to manipulate public opinion or achieve a political goal.

Example

"Public health officials warned that political fearmongering was undermining trust in scientific research."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

Intentionally trying to make people afraid of something when this is not necessary or reasonable.

Example

"Critics dismissed the report's dire predictions as irresponsible, fearmongering rhetoric."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for fearmongering
Antonyms
View all antonyms for fearmongering

• Nearby Words

fearlessly
fearlessness
fearmonger
fearmongering
fearsome
fearsomely
fearsomeness

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 20th century by combining 'fear' with 'monger' (from Old English 'mangere', meaning 'merchant' or 'trader'), modeled on earlier pejorative formations such as 'scaremongering' and 'warmongering'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Fearmongering. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/fearmongering
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